Sri Lanka’s renowned and high-quality pineapples have been officially introduced in Pakistan. A special launching ceremony was held in Karachi to mark the formal commencement of commercial activities for Sri Lankan pineapples in Pakistan. Participants described the initiative as an important development toward strengthening trade, economic and business relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The event was hosted by prominent businessman Sahal Jan. Syed Aman Shah, Provincial President of the Awaam Pakistan Party, Balochistan, attended the ceremony as a special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Sahal Jan said that introducing Sri Lankan pineapples in Pakistan aims not only to provide Pakistani consumers with a high-quality fruit with a distinctive taste, but also to further strengthen business-to-business ties between the private sectors of the two countries. He said that additional programmes would be organised in the future to promote Sri Lankan pineapples in Karachi and enhance their accessibility to consumers.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General of Sri Lanka Sanjeeva Pattiwala said that the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to translate into stronger economic and trade ties. He noted significant opportunities for trade, investment, and business cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the agriculture, fruit, and vegetable sectors. Greater cooperation in these areas, he said, could benefit both countries’ business communities.
The British Deputy Consul General also attended the ceremony and welcomed the growing trade ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said direct engagement between the private sectors, the exchange of expertise, and the promotion of new commercial activities could play an important role in further strengthening economic cooperation in the region.
Chairman of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Association, Aslam Pakhali, welcomed imports of quality fruits from Sri Lanka and said there are vast opportunities to expand trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the fruit and vegetable sector. He expressed hope that trade in agricultural products between the two countries would continue to grow.
On the occasion, Syed Aman Shah, Provincial President of the Awaam Pakistan Party, Balochistan, said the arrival of Sri Lankan pineapples would give Pakistani consumers access to a new variety of high-quality fruit. At the same time, he said, it would create new opportunities for businesses involved in imports, distribution and the fruit market. He added that such commercial activities would further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Diplomats, prominent business figures, members of the trade community, representatives of the fruit and vegetable sector, and civil society members attended the ceremony.
Participants described the commercial introduction of Sri Lankan pineapples in Pakistan as a positive step toward promoting Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship, bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
